Local Voices: Highland Park and Deefield

March 28, 2013

This artwork by Donna Grethen relates to how First Five education programs are closing achievement gaps and improving the economy by providing jobs -- while being cheaper to fund than jails. (Donna Grethen)

Letters to the editor from Highland Park and Deerfield residents.

Excellence in education

My wife, Ann, and I are in our 80s, live in High School District 113 and, though we're retired, we strongly support a yes vote in the Highland Park and Deerfield High School April 9 referendum. It would be selfish not to do so.

It's our turn to maintain an outstanding educational system in our community just as the community maintained it in the '50s and '60s when our children went to school here.

Some residents see the referendum as a money issue. We don't. A yes vote is a vote for excellence in education including facilities; a no vote is one for mediocrity.

We strongly disagree with the notion that any boost in our property tax will make it harder to sell our home. It's still true that young families want a quality education for their children just as we did, an education that can help those children fulfill the American dream.

Who would buy a home in a nay-saying community that refuses to update its educational facilities, especially when nearby affordable housing is available in communities that provide an outstanding secondary school education in 21st-century facilities?

We need to look to the future but learn from the past. We are not an isolated community. For the benefit of our democracy, we need to support our school board in its efforts to produce the best and brightest graduates.

That achievement, not satisfaction in defeating a referendum, should be our legacy.

— Justin and Ann Fishbein, Highland Park

Making a difference

We moved to the area 25 years ago for various reasons. We wanted to make a difference in our lives. Perhaps it was close proximity to family, a small town-like atmosphere, larger homes with backyards, the hope for continued prosperity, availability of community resources and, most important, the reputation of the schools.

It is these schools that need our attention at the moment. Let's make a difference and vote yes to the referendum April 9.

As an educator, parent and homeowner, I find setting my priorities and choosing my battles are what envelopes my attention at the moment. The current question to the community is, "Are you willing to make a difference?"

Our high schools, Deerfield and Highland Park, are academically leading the nation. Students, both alumni and current, are welcomed with open arms at any higher-educational institution just by virtue of where they attended. The schools have done a tremendous job with what resources are available. Our high schools' communities deserve to have facilities to maintain and expand that leadership role through the 21st century.

The ballot question for the referendum asks the community to support the investment for our schools future — financially, educationally and ethically. As one of those who no longer have children in the schools, I see the benefit in supporting the education of the children for the future, just as those before me did for my children. It is also the community members' responsibility to oversee and guide for the future.

The plan our school board and community members have proposed is well-thought-through and carefully vetted. Acknowledging any previous boards' trepidations with creating a vision, this plan is propelling the community on a path to continued success.

— Mara Meyer, Deerfield

A bright future

I've been privileged to work with Carolyn Cerf on a number of projects over the past two years through Rotary Club and the Ravinia Block Bash. She's energetic, dependable and effective, and follows through. She has what it takes, and now we have an opportunity to empower her to do even more as an elected leader of our community.

As a former city councilman, I believe Cerf will be a trustworthy leader of our city. She views economic development as a key to progress, but she also comprehends the need to do more with less in the current economic climate. She sees opportunities where others see only challenges. She is aware that Highland Park's many assets can be leveraged to position our city for a bright future. She can accomplish a common goal through both leadership and teamwork, and has made intergovernmental cooperation a key part of her platform.

I have found Cerf to be honest in her dealings with others. She is committed to transparent governance.

I urge my fellow citizens to vote for Carolyn Cerf on April 9.

— Pete Koukos, Highland Park

Sense of community

I am pleased and honored to support Alyssa Knobel for Highland Park City Council. Knobel's warm, caring and compassionate persona is the framework for her astute business and marketing sense, as well as her strong sense of community. She has an innate ability to recognize a problem, inspire others to work with her, develop workable solutions and implement plans within a reasonable, realistic time frame.